Molecular pathway offers treatment targets for pulmonary fibrosis, related conditionsA study led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital and University Health Network in Toronto has identified a molecular pathway that appears to be critical to the development of fibrosis -- scarring and excessive tissue deposition that result from abnormal healing responses and can compromise the function of vital organs. (2017-11-15)

New study suggests way to slow skin fibrosis in sclerodermaNew and ongoing research at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City has identified a possible mechanism behind the fibrosis that occurs in scleroderma -- a mechanism that may one day lead to a treatment for the disease. (2016-10-31)

Drug does not reduce digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosisIn an article appearing in the May 10, 2016 issue of JAMA, Dinesh Khanna, M.D., of the University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, and colleagues evaluated the efficacy of the drug macitentan in reducing the number of new digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. (2016-05-10)

Anti-fibrotic peptide shows early promise against interstitial lung diseaseInvestigators at the Medical University of South Carolina report preclinical findings showing that the M10 peptide reduces collagen production and reverses fibrotic damage due to systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the April 2016 issue of Translational Research. (2016-04-13)

New targets for treating pulmonary hypertension foundTwo new potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a deadly disease marked by high blood pressure in the lungs, have been identified by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago. (2014-09-08)

Two case reports of rare stiff person syndromeTwo female patients achieved clinical remission from the rare, debilitating neurological disease called stiff person syndrome (SPS, which can be marked by a 'tin soldier' gait) after an autologous -- from your own body -- stem cell transplant that eventually allowed them to return to work and regain their previous functioning. (2014-08-25)

Best Science Podcasts 2018

CircularWe're told if the economy is growing, and if we keep producing, that's a good thing. But at what cost? This hour, TED speakers explore circular systems that regenerate and re-use what we already have. Guests include economist Kate Raworth, environmental activist Tristram Stuart, landscape architect Kate Orff, entrepreneur David Katz, and graphic designer Jessi Arrington.

#504 The Art of LogicHow can mathematics help us have better arguments? This week we spend the hour with "The Art of Logic in an Illogical World" author, mathematician Eugenia Cheng, as she makes her case that the logic of mathematics can combine with emotional resonance to allow us to have better debates and arguments. Along the way we learn a lot about rigorous logic using arguments you're probably having every day, while also learning a lot about our own underlying beliefs and assumptions.